Home owners urged to do their research before setting up solar

According to recent reports, Consumer Protection has received 67 consumer complaints regarding issues such as poor-quality parts, companies offering incorrect and misleading information, and according to some accounts, some installers failing to use due care and skill.

More than 400,000 homes and businesses have solar energy panels installed on their rooftops in Western Australia. According to Energy Minister Bill Johnston, this percentage will rise to 50 per cent by 2030.

Although the number of complaints received is minimal compared to the number of systems installed in Western Australia this year, Consumer Protection acting executive director Penny Lipscombe stated that the difficulties serve as a reminder for consumers to thoroughly research who they plan to do business with.

Further findings show that an estimated 13 per cent of all complaints involved consumers who had no way to reach the vendor or manufacturer; many of them for companies that had gone out of business.

“Before agreeing to buy a solar system, there are a number of crucial checks that should be made, including sourcing independent reviews and making sure your preferred supplier is accredited by searching the Clean Energy Council’s website,” Ms Lipscombe suggested.

“If a supplier’s verbal claims are influencing your decision, make sure to have them included in the written contract and read through all the terms and conditions.”

Ms Lipscombe made clear that “solar installers are not allowed to use forceful or high-pressure sales tactics to get you to buy something, nor can they provide you with false or misleading information. They must also ensure their products and services meet the consumer guarantees.”

In theory, the system’s electrical components must be installed by a licensed electrician working under a licensed electrical contractor.

“You should ask to see these licences and expect to receive an electrical safety certificate for the work. Our colleagues at Building and Energy can assist if you have any electrical compliance concerns,” Ms Lipscombe concluded.